Tips to Get More Organized in 2019

You’ve had a whole month now. It’s the end of January 2019 already. If your goal is to get more organized in 2019, we’ve got some tips for you. It’s time to get serious and get to work. If you have a tip you’d add to this list, post about it on our Facebook page!

Write things down. Don’t try to remember everything you need to do and buy.

Get a calendar. Paper, desk, planner, or Google calendar will do. Whatever form, start using one.

Make a schedule and try to stick to it.

Mobile apps and reminders can be helpful. Explore what works for you.

Assign everything a place where it belongs. You’ll be more organized and less stressed when you (and everyone else in the family) can find where things are at without asking you.

Practice putting everything where it belongs. Put the shoes in the closet, the vacuum in the closet, and the dog food in the cupboard. The more you practice, the more it becomes habit.

Keep a clutter box for donations and make sure everyone knows where it is and what to put in it. Remind everyone to use it.

Tackle problem areas like junk drawers and “catch-all’s” on a timely, but scheduled basis.

Don’t burn out by trying to do it all at once. Set a timer and get a certain amount accomplished.

Enlist help. Everyone needs to pitch in to help clean, organize, and stay on schedule.

Get rid of old technology. Old phones, cables, computers, chargers, CD’s and VHS tapes are clutter.

Don’t skimp on trash cans. They might not be the prettiest décor, but you need them in nearly every room on each floor of the house.

When you do store things, clearly label what’s inside where you can see it. Never store things in an unmarked box, assuming you’ll remember.

Do meal planning and weekly shopping. Save on trips to the store and impulse purchases. Consider grocery delivery or pick-up services and once a month freezer cooking to free up your time.

Be realistic. Are you really going to read that book or wear that costume again? Are you really going to fix grandpa’s wooden rocker that you’ve had for over 10 years now and is still broke?

What can you get rid of that you mostly do electronically or online? Recipe books? Look up restaurant menus? Google phone numbers? You may not need to keep the plumbers phone number on a frig magnet if the number is in your phone. Ditch what you don’t need.

Buy and keep gifts and gift cards on hand for unplanned occasions. It will save running to the store or stressing about what to get.

Take time for yourself. Take a bath, grab a nap, read a book, take a walk, etc. You’ll feel more ready and able to take on organization tasks if you feel refreshed.

If it helps, leave yourself a post-it note in the car or send yourself an email that you’ll get when you arrive at work.

Label keys that you don’t often use. Again, don’t assume you’ll remember what each one is for.